‘Our new champion’: Philippines swept up in tennis fever after Alex Eala’s historic win

Alexandra Eala, 21, became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title, defeating top seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the Mubadala DC Open final, which was interrupted by rain and completed over two days ending Monday. In the men's final, Taylor Fritz beat 19-year-old Spanish player Rafael Jodar 7-6(2), 6-4 to claim his 11th career ATP title and his first of the 2026 season. Eala's win prompted a reception in her honor hosted by the president of the Philippines amid increased public interest in tennis in the country.